Why Do I Experience Obsessive Thoughts And Compulsive Behaviors?

Do you experience persistent thoughts, strong desires, or images, at some time during the disturbance, as undesirable or intrusive, and that typically makes you feel anxious or distressed?

Do you try to ignore or suppress such thoughts, strong desires, or images, or to neutralize them by thinking about something else or doing something else (i.e., by performing a compulsion)?

Do you feel driven to perform repetitive behaviors (e.g., ordering, hand washing) or mental acts (e.g., counting, praying) in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be followed?

With these behaviors, do you try to prevent or reduce distress, or prevent some terrifying event (these behaviors are clearly excessive or not realistically connected with what they are supposed to neutralize or prevent)?

Do the obsessions or compulsions take you much time of your day (e.g., more than 1 hour) or cause significant impairment in social, work, or other relevant areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, there may be no need to worry. It is normal to have habits or thoughts that you repeat sometimes. However, people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have thoughts or actions that take up at least one hour per day, are uncontrollable, are unpleasant, and interfere with various parts of their lives. The illness causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the urge to repeat behavior (compulsions). OCD is not about habits like biting your nails. An example of an obsessive thought is that certain numbers are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and a compulsive habit may be to wash your hands six times after touching something that you think is dirty.

Based on your answers, you may be experiencing one or more symptoms related to obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. Usually, these symptoms are related to a disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, sometimes the symptoms can be attributed to the effects of a substance, generalized anxiety disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or autism. If you are in doubt or your symptoms make you unable to function normally, it may be necessary to see your doctor. What might help you to function better overall is to exercise, sleep enough hours, and avoid alcohol and nicotine.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the urge to repeat behavior multiple times (compulsions). A doctor appointment may be required to discuss treatment options. In terms of self-help it might be important to take care of your body: exercising, sleeping enough hours, and avoiding toxic substances like alcohol and nicotine. If you suffer compulsions, you should learn to resist them. If you have obsessive thoughts, try to challenge these thoughts. Make sure to have a social support network to rely on like friends and family.